the creative minimalist

darren r hill : writer, minstrel and journal keeper

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Positive in Mercury Retrograde day two

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Alexander Pope

As I write this Mercury is just about, or has just gone, retrograde. Mercury Retrograde is an astronomical event that gives the impression that the planet Mercury is travelling back across the night sky. This happens due to the way the planet orbits and hangs out with the sun (or Sol, to be really with it).

Mercury Retrograde is also an astrological event, according to those of that ilk. It’s a time when one is advised not to embark on new projects, as various things might go awry. It is fine to plan and think and envision, but wait till Mercury goes back to the forward to implement things.

This is great for me. As I mentioned here, I am reviewing and planning. Far too often I jump straight into things. I don’t stop and think. Using Mercury Retrograde as a thing will be good for me.

Rituals, calendar events, myth, superstition – I am using them all over the next few weeks. Mercury Retrograde is seen as being a negative time by some, let’s see if I can use it to a positive end.

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Latte loquacity Productivity Perils

The rain stops, but I still head to the coffee shop to sit, think and write. I arrive later than I normally do and the place is buzzing. I’m sure I can pick up on the pulse of life today.

Free WiFi means I can write. It also means the grandparents sitting opposite can Skype. They are talking to their son. From the accent, and yes I can hear him across the coffee shop, he might be in Australia, and been there some time. Here we are in a small fishing town conversing with the opposite side of the world – hearing so much I feel like I am part of the conversation. What jiggery-pokery would our ancestors think this is, they would have us burnt at the stake. After a flat white that is.

Skype has ended. Their other son is present. The conversation similar.

I’m not overhearing much. It might be my position. I like to sit looking at the passers-by. I think I will catch a glimpse of my future love, our eyes will meet and the rest will be history. The reality is that I would remain rooted in my chair as they walk off into the distance. I never say anything to anyone.

Since I arrived the place has emptied out. Is it something I said, done or is my being here enough to empty the place? Have they run in fear that I will expose their opinions on the news of the day? I worry too much.

My heart has not been taken by anyone walking past. Those who are walking by seem to be in that malaise that grips shoppers. It’s a meander that hints at intention but ultimately understands the futility of it all. We shop, therefore we are.

Perhaps I should download a new app in the hope that it will improve my productivity as a writer. UK productivity is in the doldrums and I would like to do my bit. I’ll drink my coffee a little quicker.

The British were once described as a nation of shopkeepers (wrongly attributed to Napoleon, but that’s not the point here). We are a nation of shopkeepers and shoppers. One part of the economy that is growing is the artisan trade. Increased productivity and artisan creativity are not overly compatible though. Perhaps I should pop outside and encourage the meandering shoppers to move faster and with more intention. Come on everybody, the fate of the nation hangs on our ability to be more productive. All we can do to improve this economic situation is to spend a little quicker. I have the feeling there is a bubble somewhere waiting to burst.

No one here seems very worried about it though. They have bought their Latte. They have their toasted sandwich. Christmas is just around the corner, which means more shopping. And all this worrying about the economy is doing nothing for my word count and my blog post productivity.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox
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The dangers of list addiction


I was feeling overwhelmed recently. When that happens I turn to the journal, or journals, or scraps of paper, or walls and make lists. This clears my head and I feel relaxed. I then find I have far too many lists and once again I feel overwhelmed. This is the danger of list addiction.

I’m an addict. It has been one day since my last list. Come and have a look at what I have been up to in this week’s journal video.

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A compendium of sundries (I got bored)


A compendium of random thoughts, events and journal jottings.

Etsy and Patreon are being moved up a gear. pLAnarchy will have some new stock very soon. This Temple Eden will be the home for ambient, soundtrack and songs. All can be supported at Patreon and you’ll get all the music!

I reach out. I am, quite rightly, rebuked. I will withdraw. I am left with holes, but also happy memories. We all carry burdens and forms of damage. We can only deal with our own and carry others, but only if they ask or allow. I don’t have permission. I wish thee well.

 

A driver broke the Internet. They took out our local fibre exchange.

I have given blood at the doctor’s surgery. The doctor hasn’t given me anything in return. In fact, by mutual consent, we decided I no longer needed my prescription. Then I felt dizzy and when the Internet became fixed and well again I found out that I might experience dizziness as I stopped taking my tablets.

Having walked to the doctor’s, the opticians and the post office, on different days, I managed to clock up over 17 km. I then wonder why I feel a little tired the following day. However, that doesn’t stop my body waking me up at 4 in the morning to tell me what indigestion is.

I made some YUMM sauce for some salad bowls. I made some cookies, but there was no flour in the house. I improvised with ground Almond that was leftover from the YUMM sauce.

Still working my way through Neal Asher’s Polity catalogue of books. So glad I found these after the sad passing of Iain M Banks. I’m currently on the final Agent Cormac book and I’ll do a proper review when done. That is if I can squeeze it in before hitting the Spatterjay series. (UK – http://amzn.to/2oxAy52)


And if you haven’t noticed yet, Write a Short Story is currently experiencing a 60% off sale. For just £10 you’ll get 12 videos, 6 PDFs and access to a private forum and you’ll learn how to write a story! Exactly what it says on the title.

Gary Numan is on the digital turntable as I am typing away. In particular, the Jagged album, but not exclusively. So, to end, here is Mr Numan who is ‘In a dark place’.

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Surface tension in my minimalism

One aspect of my drive for minimalism is down to living in a confined space. I don’t have much room, therefore everything I have needs to have a reason to be with me. It needs to be accessible. In addition…

  • I get easily overwhelmed
  • I need my things in the right place. A little OCD?

I look at my little studio and see how many flat surfaces were covered. These flat surfaces are all needed for me to work, to be creative.

  • My keyboard covered meant it took effort to play
  • My ‘spirit’ boxes were under deodorant and tablets
  • My desk… well
  • A desk easel just wasn’t being used
  • The plastic boxes of my WIP, not enough work was in progress

I have a challenge, a challenge to clear these surfaces. I need to find a place for all the things I have. In limited space that will be a challenge. But then minimalism in all its guises is not easy. Therefore a place for all I have. I had best get organising so I can be creative, the creative minimalist.

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